8,000 have their say over 15-year Leeds housing vision

Aisha Iqbal

Almost 8,000 people have had their say on Leeds’s planning and development vision for the future.

Leeds City Council conducted an eight week consultation asking people what they think are the best locations for new homes, retail and employment developments across the district. and which local green spaces they want to see protected.

The views will now feed into the authority’s eventual 15-year masterplan for long-term development in the city.

Councillor Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council’s neighbourhoods and planning portfolio holder, said: “The number of consultation responses should be welcomed. The numbers received show the process has real credibility and people were energised to take part.

“We recognise that housing is far and away the most important topic to people.

“We’ll now analyse the consultation responses in detail to get an understanding of what people would like to see.

“We want to work with communities so together we find the best possible sites for new development.

“We will work with them during this consultation period and beyond to agree local solutions for sustainable development that respects local views.”

The consultation was the first stage of the council’s overall Site Allocations Plan.

The responses included 7,738 comments provided by 6,434 individuals, and these will now be used to prepare the next stage of the plan, which will be consulted on in the New Year.

The Site Allocation Plan will form part of a 15 year development vision for the whole of Leeds. It is planning for anticipated population changes and homes, jobs, education and investment needed across the city alongside ambitions for regeneration growth and infrastructure.